Peloton review?

👋 Hey everyone.
Quick question for those of you who own a Peloton. Since I spend most of my workday glued to a desk, my back is constantly acting up, so I'm thinking about picking one up. For those who actually use one, what’s the verdict? Does it actually help with fitness, overall health, or even just looking better? Also, where can I find a decent deal on one?
Thanks in advance!! 🙏

I own an OrbiTrek, and I can say without hesitation that it’s worth it. In my opinion, there isn't a better piece of equipment out there for building up your stamina—unless you prefer the classic route of running through the mountains or woods. The real advantage here is that, unlike stationary bikes, steppers, or those questionable spring machines, the OrbiTrek engages significantly more muscle groups. Since there’s no seat, you're essentially supporting your own body weight throughout the movement, which adds a layer of intensity.

Most of my sessions focus on cardio training.

I couldn't tell you what they’re retailing for these days, though. I picked mine up about three or four years ago when they first started gaining traction.

I've got one and I love it.
The main reason I bought it was because you don't actually sit on it.
I didn't want to walk away feeling like I'd bought a pig in a poke, so I tested it out right there in the store, even though the sales clerk gave me a bit of a weird look. 😁

I picked it up about a year ago at Dick's Sporting Goods, over by the corner of Broadway and Main.
I think
it cost me about $100, but since I put it on my company card, it ended up being roughly $317

Thanks. I’ve been dealing with constant back pain lately since I’m stuck at my desk for about 9 hours a day at work—basically sitting non-stop—and I can feel my core getting a bit soft, too. 😢 I know I need to do something about it.
I don't currently exercise or hit the gym at all. Aside from some home aerobics, would you actually recommend buying this to help fix my issues?

William Murphy75 said:Besides just doing some home aerobics, would you recommend buying one to help with my specific issues?

Yeah—assuming you actually have the floor space—and if you intend to actually use it, I guess. 🙂

I’ve got an OrbiTrek myself, though at this point, I mostly just use it as a glorified laundry rack for my clothes!
It’s fine if you can stomach watching TV while you move, because let's face it—it’s boring as hell otherwise. Personally? My knees start screaming at me after a little while. And don't expect any real arm workout from an OrbiTrek, either.
In my opinion, it's strictly a leg machine. As for your back? I doubt you'll see much benefit there.
But hey, I guess something beats doing absolutely nothing, right?

There’s some info about the orbitrek over on the women's corner—swifteagle18, that machine is actually perfect if you need to take the pressure off your knees. You shouldn't be feeling any pain from that kind of movement.

Maybe you just weren't using it quite right?

It’s a solid piece of equipment, provided you actually know how to use it properly... personally, I end up using mine as a glorified clothes rack more often than not.

It is strictly an aerobic machine—great for general conditioning and particularly kind to your back. Unlike running, there isn't that repetitive, jarring impact against the pavement, which tends to wreak havoc on your knee joints and can be a nightmare for a spine that’s already seen better days. I’m planning on getting back into a regular routine with mine soon; my back is acting up again, and my knees have their own set of issues from time to time. You shouldn't be dealing with excessive pain from an orbitrek, but I'd definitely suggest checking your knees first before committing.

I haven't a clue, placidjackal97, but isn't there some deep philosophy involved here? 🤔...whether you're actually using the machine or just letting it sit there

Honestly, it's just my way of making an excuse because I'm too lazy to work out!

Someone mentioned on another thread that chain drives are superior to magnetic ones, but my local shopkeeper insists on the exact opposite. He claims magnets don't require maintenance, unlike a chain that might need replacing after about three years, plus they're virtually silent compared to the noise of a chain... While the magnetic version definitely carries a higher price tag, I'm wondering what the actual deciding factor is...

I’ve had mine for nearly two years now, and I get on it for at least thirty minutes almost every single day.
It’s the perfect alternative to running when it's pouring rain outside, too cold, or if I'm just not feeling it or can't get out the door.

Mine cost about $367 at Dick's Sporting Goods, and honestly, it's a solid investment if you actually use it—it's way too expensive to just let it sit there acting as a clothes rack 😁
.

Alright, but the real question is which drive system actually performs better. One user mentioned that you shouldn't go with a belt drive and should stick to a chain instead, even though the latter is much cheaper. So, what's the actual catch—belt versus chain?

Brandon Kelly20 said:Fair enough, but the real question is which drive system is actually better. I remember someone on a forum saying you should skip the magnetic belt and go with a chain instead, even though chains are way cheaper. So, what's the actual catch? Magnetic versus chain?

Magnetic drives are quieter, but they cost a hell of a lot more.
Mine uses a chain, but it isn't loud enough to be an issue—I can still watch TV or listen to the radio without any trouble. I've been using it daily for almost two years now and it still runs like it's brand new. How much longer will it last, or would a magnetic one have a longer lifespan? 😕 Honestly, I don't know. A decent magnetic model starts at around $4--$1667 I couldn't justify spending that kind of cash back then, nor would I want to pay it now. 🙂

I have a magnetic one for small items, and it’ll run you north of fifteen bucks

I actually have a magnetic trainer myself, and I’ve been really happy with it. I’ve had mine for almost two years now; I picked it up $700 at the Eurobike shop in San Francisco.
I used to get quite a bit of training in on it, though I took a break for a while because I was bouncing between two different places, but I’m finally getting back into the swing of things.

Usually, I just stick to the lowest resistance setting—maybe level 2 if I’m feeling ambitious—and my goal is about thirty minutes a day, or maybe a few times a week depending on how I feel. Since I’m pretty out of shape right now, I’m starting off with just five-minute sessions. Honestly, it feels way more intense than a standard stationary bike, at least from what I can tell.
I personally love working out during the winter because I absolutely hate the cold, and this really helps warm me up. It’s kind of the same reason why I used to prefer doing the dishes in the winter rather than the summer—though, thank god, I have a dishwasher now.

Oh, also, I wanted to ask those of you who train regularly and tend to push yourselves to the limit: Have you noticed that when you start, everything feels fine, then comes that phase where fatigue sets in, and then that point where you just want to quit entirely? But if you somehow manage to push through all those stages, the exhaustion and boredom just... vanish? Especially if you’re listening to music or watching TV, you suddenly get this sensation that you could just keep riding forever...